One of the guys in the conversation is the club's handicapper, so probably has some idea of their attitude toward rules.

Of course, you'll probably get called for it if you try racing a disc road bike at the nationals... but the likelyhood of me racing at that level is even lower than the likelyhood of me racing at _any_ level

AndrewBurns wrote:Although technically you wouldn't be allowed to use a bike with disc brakes in road races right? Only CX races...

Depends on who organises the race.

The AVCCC (Vets) are not part of Cycling Australia and don't require UCI compliant bikes. The UCI rules for bikes take up pages of detailed rules and measurements. The entire rules for bikes under the AVCC can be found on the website and are short enough to post here.

AVCC website wrote:6. Equipment and Clothinga) Race numbers must be prominently displayed at all times. Numbers must not be folded or damaged in any way and must be returned after the finish.b) ‘An Australian approved and securely fastened helmet conforming to standard AS/NZ/2063 must be worn on the head at all times while riding’. Australian approved teardrop helmets cannot be used in road races but shall be allowed in road time trials and track time trials and pursuits.c) Competitors should be neatly attired at the start of a race and at after-race presentations. Racing jerseys must be designed so as to cover the upper arms and shoulders.d) Only equipment sanctioned and approved by the A.V.C.C. Inc. shall be permitted in races under its patronage. The bicycle shall be a conventional triangular framemade from materials suitable forbicycle construction. The maximum length shall not be more than185cm. and a width of 50cm. Either 650cm, or 700cm wheels,and drop handlebars shall be used.For Road events two efficient hand brakes and a freewheel shall be used; Spinacci and ‘Tri’ bars are not to be used.For Road Time Trials it may have either a fixed wheel or freewheel system, standard time trial handlebars with handlebar extensions and elbow rests.For Track racing, in Sprints and Scratch races it shall have a fixed rear wheel. In Time Trials and Pursuits freewheel multiple gears, handlebar extensions and elbow rests may be used.‘Flat Bars’ (Mountain bike style) shall not be permitted in any of the aforementioned disciplines.Handlebar ends must be plugged.e) It is an offence to compete on any bicycle unless it is mechanically sound and maintained to the highest safety standards. 'Singles' must be securely glued to the rim and road bicycles must be equipped with two efficient, independent brakes.f) i. Only conventional racing machines as described in rule 6(d) shall be used in AVCC events and no unfair aerodynamic advantage associated with a bicycle shall be allowed, nor any modifications or construction allowed that jeopardize safety. ii. Bicycle gear and brake controls may be modified to accommodate individual needs, however, modified controls will be mounted on conventional handlebars on a conventional bicycle.

You will note that under (e) a bike only needs to have efficient, independent brakes. Unfortunately under (d) no-one can ride a bike that actually complies. Even this one doesn't come close.

AVCC website wrote:...f) i. Only conventional racing machines as described in rule 6(d) shall be used in AVCC events and no unfair aerodynamic advantage associated with a bicycle shall be allowed, nor any modifications or construction allowed that jeopardize safety. ii. Bicycle gear and brake controls may be modified to accommodate individual needs, however, modified controls will be mounted on conventional handlebars on a conventional bicycle.

AVCC website wrote:...f) i. Only conventional racing machines as described in rule 6(d) shall be used in AVCC events and no unfair aerodynamic advantage associated with a bicycle shall be allowed, nor any modifications or construction allowed that jeopardize safety. ii. Bicycle gear and brake controls may be modified to accommodate individual needs, however, modified controls will be mounted on conventional handlebars on a conventional bicycle.

Looks like you can't have modified DT shifters either.

Yep, Drillium is out. Fortunately the DT shifter on my tandem is not modified.

The modifications intended are to deal with missing/arthritic fingers etc. It would be a heck of a mod to make a derailler to be knee operated, but possible with Di2 I suppose. I don't think that bottom-clench operated brakes are planned for anyone's future. I suspect that coaster brakes are also ruled out too.

Who is online

About the Australian Cycling Forums

The largest cycling discussion forum in Australia for all things bike; from new riders to seasoned bike nuts, the Australian Cycling Forums are a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.